ATMA Exam 2024: How to Prepare for Analytical Reasoning

AIMS Test for Management Admissions 2024 ( ATMA )

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Result: 28 Dec '24

Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Dec 20, 2023 14:34 IST

Read key tips to crack the Analytical Reasoning section of ATMA exam in the article below.

The Analytical Reasoning section of the ATMA exam aims to assess the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data, make decisions, and solve complex problems. ATMA exam has six sections based on Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills and Analytical Reasoning. Analytical Reasoning is one of the most difficult sections among the three but can be aced with practice. Aims Test for Management Admission or ATMA is a national-level MBA entrance exam. The exam is taken by a lot of MBA aspirants every year. According to previous years’ trends, the difficulty level of the ATMA exam is moderate to difficult. In this article, Shiksha brings a guide on how to prepare for the Analytical Reasoning section of the ATMA exam.

ATMA Analytical Reasoning: An Overview

The difficulty level of the Analytical Reasoning section of the ATMA exam is usually moderate to tough. This section of the exam is based on critical and logical reasoning questions. To ace the section, one needs to have a clear understanding of the question. Students need to be clear with which question requires what type of approach. In the ATMA exam, there are two sections based on Analytical Reasoning, i.e. Analytical Reasoning Part I and Analytical Reasoning Part II. Check out some of the key points to remember below:

  • The Analytical Reasoning section (Part I and II) has 60 questions in total. Candidates will have 30 minutes to solve each section.
  • All the questions will be MCQ-type questions
  • Every question carries one mark each
  • 0.25 marks will be deducted for wrong attempts
  • An attempt of 22-25 questions with accuracy will be considered a good attempt

ATMA Analytical Reasoning Syllabus

The Analytical Reasoning section of the ATMA exam comprises the topics given below. Check the table to know the important topics that can be asked in this section.

Important Topics of Analytical Reasoning Section

Critical Reasoning

Coding and Decoding

Syllogisms

Course of Action

Arguments

Data Sufficiency

Statement and Inference

Statements and Conclusions

Strong and Weak Arguments

Arrangements

Blood Relations

Venn Diagrams

Also Read:

Best Books for ATMA: Analytical Reasoning

The following is the list of best books for Analytical Reasoning. Check the recommended books below:

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  • A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning by R.S Aggarwal
  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
  • A New Approach to Reasoning by B.S Sijwali and S Sijwali
  • Logical and Analytical Reasoning by K Gupta
  • Analytical & Logical Reasoning for CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests by Piyush Bharadwaj

Students must note that when they are preparing for the ATMA exam, they must refer to other study material apart from the books mentioned above. They must practice an ample number of mock tests and sample papers for this section. As the saying goes, ‘practice makes a man perfect. The more you practice the better you will get on solving the questions.

Q:   How to prepare for the ATMA exam?

A:
The ATMA is a management entrance test that makes you eligible for admission to more than 700 institutes. To prepare for the ATMA exam, you can follow the following strategy suggested by experts: 1. Using the ATMA syllabus as a guide, make a list of the subjects that the study materials must cover. 2. Create a study plan and choose your reading materials accordingly. 3. Make notes of the topics that are more important. 4. You can join online study groups or search for a mentor if you need assistance. 5. Set a time limit for each section to allow for thorough practice. 6. Start reading newspaper and magazine editorials to prepare for the verbal skills section. 7. For the quantitative section, study the mathematical concepts and formulas from your 10th-grade math books. 8. Spend the last month practicing for the mock ATMA tests and assessing your progress with every mock test. To access the expert's section-by-section plan, click this link: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/atma-exam-preparation.

Q:   Can I prepare for ATMA exam in one month?

A:

Preparing for the ATMA in one month requires a structured plan. In the first two weeks, understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and identify weaknesses through a diagnostic test. In the third week, focus on quantitative, verbal, and analytical reasoning skills. Strengthen basic concepts and practice time management. Week four is crucial for simulated exam conditions; take full-length mock tests, analyze mistakes, and revise key concepts. Prioritize weak areas and enhance vocabulary. In the last days, ensure relaxation, review test-taking strategies, and maintain a positive mindset. While intensive, this condensed plan can be effective with consistent effort and strategic focus on identified weaknesses. Regular mock tests and targeted revision will be essential for building confidence in the limited timeframe.

Q:   What are the dos and don'ts of the ATMA exam?

A:
On the ATMA exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines which include cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, following instructions given be the invigilator and following the test navigation for solving the questions. There are some key dos and don'ts that candidates should follow on the ATMA exam day, which have been listed below: ATMA exam day dos: 1. Reach the ATMA examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on the ATMA admit card. 2. Carry two coloured copies of the ATMA admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos and duly filled self-declaration form 3. PwD candidates should carry the relevant certificates and documents as prescribed by the examination authorities. 4. Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing the attendance sheet 5. Carry personal drinking water, hand sanitizer and face masks 6. Cooperate with the test centre staff and follow the instructions CAT exam day don'ts: 1. Do not carry prohibited items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, etc. 2. Don't be late for the exam. The entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that. Hence, reach the exam centre by 1:00 PM. 3. Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT. 4. Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over.

Also Read: Best books to read for the ATMA exam

ATMA Preparation: Tips and Tricks to Crack Analytical Reasoning

As mentioned above, to ace this section, one needs to practice as much as one can. Not practicing enough can make the section a tough problem to solve. One needs to attempt a question with a clear understanding and the right approach. There are no formulae in Analytical Reasoning per se but one needs to apply their cognitive ability to solve the puzzles. Check out some of the ATMA preparation tips to crack the Analytical Reasoning section below:

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  • The success in solving the question in the Analytical Reasoning section depends on how well you understand the question. The questions may seem confusing at the first glance, but give time and slowly read and understand the question.
  • While practicing mock tests and sample papers, try to solve each question twice or thrice. Again practicing more will help you in solving the question not only quickly but also accurately.
  • While preparing for the Analytical Reasoning section, list down your strengths and weaknesses and decide which topics to take up first. Try to find tips and tricks to solve the questions quickly and jot down small notes which will help you further during the revision.
  • The answer to a question in the Analytical Reasoning section lies in the question and the options themselves. Try to find out a reason as to why one option is correct and others are not.
  • Develop a skill of thinking critically. The questions in this section are based on critical reasoning. Break down the questions into a logical flow and a series of events. And then examine each event and look at them critically and eventually solve them.
  • Try to draw rough diagrams or grids or tables to understand the question with the data given in the question. Experts suggest that visuals help in solving a particular question in a better way.
  • Read as much as you can. Develop a habit of reading and try reading the question twice and fetch the important data or information from the question. This will increase the speed and accuracy.

Read More:

Q:   Is ATMA exam difficult?

A:
ATMA is a speed-based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, and English comprehension. It may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at an advanced level. All you will need is to brush up on the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems. Students should solve previous years question papers, attempt an ample number of mock tests and be consistent to score well in the ATMA exam. Having said that, the preparation for the ATMA exam requires focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the ATMA exam. ATMA is one of the easiest MBA entrance exams and a good preparation strategy can help you crack the ATMA exam with a good score. Generally, the toughest section of the ATMA question paper is Quantitative Aptitude. But with daily practice and focusing on understanding the fundamentals, this section of the ATMA exam can be handled easily.

Q:   How can I crack ATMA in 3 months?

A:
ATMA- Pattern and syllabus Pattern- The question paper comprises of a total of 180 multiple choice questions to be answered in three hours. That is, on an average there is 1 minute to answer 1 question. Topics covered: Syllabus: A- Analytical Reasoning Skills B- Quantitative Skills C- Verbal Skills How to crack ATMA- Tips and Tricks Set your plan right. Work on your plan and identify your weakness and strength. Get a materiel right. Try to plan and identify above stated things within a week. Set your plan agile and keep buffer time for revision and solving mock test papers. Start with your verbal and quantitative practice in parallel. 3 months can make or change the game, time management is very important at every single point of time till the final day and even on the day. Keep positive! Solve questions in a specified time frame this will help you in doing questions in time. Maintain a good balance between your accuracy and solving time. Be focused and calm. For the last month keep all the formulas and tricks handy and revise on a daily basis. Remember not to be emotional while solving or appearing for exam. Manage your time wisely. Remember: A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Q:   What is a good score in ATMA exam?

A:
Candidates appearing for the ATMA exam for admission to MBA programme, must have a good percentile to clear the cutoff of their preferred colleges. The validity of ATMA score is one year and students will be offered admission to colleges accepting ATMA scores through their ATMA result. Each institute releases their individual cutoffs. To gain admission, candidates need to match the cutoff criteria of their preferred institute. The ATMA exam has 180 questions and the total marks are 180. But, the raw scores are then scaled and the final marks are awarded out of 800. Knowing what is a good score in ATMA exam is subjective, however, the current trends suggest that the following will be considered a good score: Very good score- More than 700 Good score- 650-700 Average score- 620- 650 Low score- Below 550 Based on the scores obtained in the ATMA exam, the percentile of the candidates will be calculated.

Q:   How can I crack ATMA in 6 months?

A:
ATMA is very much similar to any other entrance exam and can be cracked if time is managed wisely. Here are few tips to crack the examination provided limited numbers of days/months: Set your plan agile and keep buffer time for revision and solving mock test papers. Start with your verbal and quantitative practice in parallel. Six months can make or change the game, time management is very important at every single point of time till the final day and even on the day. Keep positive! Maintain a good balance between your accuracy and solving time. Be focused and calm. For the last month keep all the formulas and tricks handy and revise on a daily basis. Remember not to be emotional while solving or appearing for exam. Manage your time wisely. In short: - Make daily/weekly targets and pen down each - Revise the syllabus as per study plan - Solve previous year questions as per time frame guidelines of actual exam. This will give you a look and feel of actual exam - Manage your time well - Keep calm and stay cool

Q:   How to improve my reading speed in ATMA preparation?

A:

To improve reading speed for the ATMA exam, preview passages quickly, focus on keywords, and eliminate subvocalization. Practice with timed passages, use a pointer to guide your eyes, and chunk information by reading in groups. Expand your vocabulary, engage in silent reading, and vary your reading materials. Take breaks to prevent fatigue, set realistic targets, and consistently practice diverse genres. Gradually increasing exposure and setting achievable goals will help develop efficient reading while maintaining comprehension for the Reading Comprehension section of ATMA exam. 

About the Author
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Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content

With over 7 years of editorial experience, Saumya has been a writer at Shiksha for over four years. With a bachelor's degree in English literature from Delhi University, she loves to write. A true Delhiite and her l... Read Full Bio

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